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Monday, March 15, 2010

Hi everyone! Recently someone asked me what a regular family needs to do to prepare. They don't want to become homesteaders, go off-grid, get animals, or prepare for TEOTWAWKI. They just want to be prepared for the occasional 'hiccup' that will happen when storms shut off the power or some natural disaster happens. You know, the temporary setback that is happening somewhere, anywhere in the world on any given day.

First off I'd say there are a few major bases that need to be covered. Those are
Water
Food
Heat
Cooking
Shelter
Lighting
Meds/Toiletries
Waste Disposal
Protection
Bug Out Bag

Even though water and food are listed first--and probably the most important--we're going to talk about them in the next post. After that, we'll discuss the Bug-Out-Bag.

I believe in following 'The Rule of 3' which suggests that we think of at least 3 alternative ways to accomplish all of the things we do in our daily life. For instance, when the gas or electric is not working, cooking can be done on a grill, camp stove, open fire or solar oven. Make sure that you have enough gas, charcoal, or wood stored to operate your alternative system.

This family I mentioned saw their sister and parents without heat and electricity over Christmas. You know, as much as grandkids love opening presents, it's not much fun when the house is 37 degrees!! So, how are you going to heat your home in an emergency? A wood stove is the most desired method. If you can't commit to a wood stove, how about a stand-alone, kerosene heater. (That's what we have until we can figure out where to put a woodstove.) If you have a fireplace, you can at least try to heat the room that holds it, although fireplaces aren't usually the most efficient things to use.

Hopefully you've got lots of games and reading material in your home because if the power's out the tv and video games won't be working. (In other words, you kids might get bored!) But, it's hard to read in the dark. So, lighting!! Besides running a generator, which will only work if there is gasoline available, candles and oil lamps are your next best options. Stock up on them when you see them on sale. Practice using them by having 'no-lighting' night and see how everyone adjusts to it. (Hubby and I do this.) I read somewhere that you could also bring your outdoor solar lights in at night and stick them in an indoor pot filled with dirt or sand. I thought that was a great idea!

Speaking of generators, how will your sump pump run when the electric's out? We have a generator to run the sump pump and freezers when the power is out temporarily.

Ladies, your monthly visitor will still come during an emergency. Stock up on necessary items and consider The Diva Cup. (This option requires water to clean it.) What if someone is sick when the crisis happens? Stock up on necessary over-the-counter and prescription meds. Waste management? Not too many options here. Either buy a port-a-potty or dig a hole!! (Not very glamorous options!)

Lastly, protection. You know that when emergencies happen, some people react in bad ways. Be prepared to protect yourself and your family. If this is through a firearm, make sure you know how to operate it, and store the necessary ammo. If it's not a firearm, figure out what means that will be. The police are not there to protect you. They're there to restore order after the bad things have already happened. Don't depend on them for your protection.

Pay attention to everything you do during the day. Ask yourself, 'How would I accomplish this task if the normal method wasn't available'. Maybe try a weekend at home without electricity or gas. Find out where your 'weak spots' are. Then prepare for alternative means of doing what you do every day. (And tune in next time when we discuss food and water!)